Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential acquisition of Daya by KKR and the challenges and opportunities the company faces in the competitive beverage market, particularly in the carbonated drink segment where Coca-Cola and PepsiCo dominate. Group 1: Acquisition and Market Position - Daya is reportedly in talks for KKR to acquire an 85% stake, with the founder possibly retaining a minority share [1] - Daya's sales revenue is estimated at around 2 billion yuan in 2022 and approximately 3 billion yuan in 2023, making it the leading domestic soda brand in terms of profitability [2] - Daya's market share in the carbonated beverage category is 2.64%, with a year-on-year growth rate of 11.15% [2] Group 2: Strategic Shifts and Product Innovation - Daya is undergoing a transformation towards a "full-category" strategy, focusing on light health and youth-oriented products [6][7] - Recent product launches include "Probiotic Juice Soda" and "Sugar-Free Tea Fruit Tea," indicating a shift towards healthier options [6] - The company aims to expand its product categories to include carbonated drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, plant-based protein drinks, energy drinks, and tea beverages [7] Group 3: Market Challenges - Daya faces significant competition from Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, which together hold over 80% of the market share [4][8] - The complexity of the domestic market and the traditional distribution network pose challenges for Daya's national expansion [4][11] - The carbonated beverage market is experiencing a cyclical decline, with ready-to-drink tea surpassing carbonated drinks in market share [13] Group 4: Marketing and Channel Strategy - Daya has successfully utilized advertising in subways and social media platforms to enhance brand visibility [3] - The company has focused on strengthening its presence in the restaurant channel, which accounts for over 85% of its sales [12] - Future challenges include transitioning from a strong restaurant presence to retail channels, where competition is fierce [15]

Core Insights - The beverage company Daqiao is reportedly in talks for an 85% acquisition by KKR, with the founder possibly retaining a minority stake [1] - Daqiao has been focusing on the restaurant channel but needs to penetrate retail and instant retail markets for greater market share [1][3] - The competitive landscape is challenging, with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo holding over 80% of the market share in the soda category [1][6] Financial Performance - Daqiao's sales revenue is estimated to be around 2 billion yuan in 2022 and approximately 3 billion yuan in 2023, making it significantly more profitable than competitors like Shaanxi Bingfeng and Beibingyang [2] - From January to May 2025, Daqiao's offline retail sales grew by 4.35% year-on-year, with a market share of 2.64% in the carbonated beverage category [2] Market Position - Daqiao is recognized as the leading domestic soda brand in China, with a strong brand foundation and the highest scale effect among local soda brands [2] - The market share for carbonated beverages in 2025 is projected to be 60.46% for Coca-Cola, 29.59% for PepsiCo, and 2.64% for Daqiao, with Daqiao showing a year-on-year growth rate of 11.15% [2] Strategic Initiatives - Daqiao is undergoing a "full-category" transformation, focusing on expanding its product lines to include carbonated drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, plant-based protein drinks, energy-flavored drinks, and tea beverages [5] - The company is also emphasizing a strategy of "light health" and youthfulness in its new product launches, such as the "Probiotic Juice Soda" and "Sugar-Free Tea" series [4][5] Marketing and Distribution - Daqiao has successfully utilized advertising in subways and social media platforms to enhance brand visibility and market penetration [3][6] - The company has shifted its channel strategy to strengthen its presence in the restaurant sector before expanding into retail channels [7][12] Challenges Ahead - Daqiao faces significant challenges in scaling its growth and breaking the dominance of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo in the market [8][12] - The beverage industry is experiencing a shift, with ready-to-drink tea surpassing carbonated drinks in market share, indicating a need for Daqiao to adapt to changing consumer preferences [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustment in the business model of the company appears to be a hasty decision driven by pressure to change the current situation [2][20]. Group 1: Business Model Changes - The company has expanded its product offerings beyond snacks to include fresh produce and daily necessities, such as oranges, salted eggs, and shrimp [3][4]. - This shift is part of a broader strategy to transition to a full-category model by 2025, initiated by the new chairman, Cheng Hong, shortly after taking office [4][10]. - The company aims to leverage its supply chain expertise by selling raw materials and their derivatives, marking a significant change in its operational focus [4][11]. Group 2: Management Changes - In a span of three months from March to May 2025, the company underwent significant management changes, including the resignation of the former chairman and the appointment of Cheng Hong as the new chairman and acting general manager [6][7]. - The new management is expected to enhance the company's governance and strategic execution efficiency, as the previous leadership faced challenges leading to the company's first loss in a decade [10][11]. Group 3: Financial Performance - The company's financial performance has shown significant volatility since 2020, with revenue and net profit growth rates declining sharply, particularly in 2023 and 2024 [14][16]. - The gross profit margin has also decreased, remaining below 28% since 2021, compared to a historical average of around 32% [14][16]. - The decline in performance is attributed to various factors, including the impact of the pandemic on offline sales and increased competition in the online market [16][17]. Group 4: Market Competition - The company has lost market share in the snack sector, dropping from 3.7% in 2020 to 1.6% in 2022, as competitors have emerged with more diverse product offerings [17][19]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, with many brands entering the market and adopting similar strategies, making it difficult for the company to maintain its previous positioning [19][20]. Group 5: Challenges in New Product Categories - The introduction of fresh produce as a new product line may not be ideal, as it typically has lower profit margins and higher costs associated with quality control and logistics [21][22]. - The company faces stiff competition in the fresh produce market, with many established players achieving significantly higher sales volumes [22][23]. - The disconnect between the new product categories and the company's core snack offerings may hinder the success of this strategy, as consumer behavior and purchasing contexts differ significantly [24][25].